Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
This comforting Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup combines tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and bright lemon flavors simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. The addition of orzo pasta adds a pleasant texture, making it a satisfying and easy-to-make meal perfect for any day of the week.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups chicken broth
Final Additions
- Zest from ½ lemon
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and bay leaves to a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is well covered.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and flavors meld together.
- Prepare Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves. Carefully take the chicken out and shred it using two forks to create bite-sized pieces.
- Add Final Ingredients: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, uncooked orzo, and shredded chicken into the slow cooker. Turn the cooker to HIGH and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your hearty and zesty lemon chicken soup!
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference for flavor and texture.
- Be sure to stir occasionally during the last 20–30 minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- For extra brightness, add a little more lemon juice right before serving.
- Feel free to substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes if preferred.
- This soup freezes well—store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Crockpot lemon chicken soup, slow cooker chicken soup, lemon orzo soup, easy chicken soup recipe, healthy chicken soup, comfort food